Health risk assessment of inhalation exposure to PM2.5- bound PAHs in ambient air of Tehran city
Journal of Behdasht dar Arseh (i.e., Health in the Field),
Vol. 12 No. 4 (1403),
7 Tir 2025
,
Page 1-9
https://doi.org/10.22037/jhf.v12i4.47054
Abstract
Background and Aims: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with high carcinogenic properties are widely present in the environment. Today, these compounds have attracted more attention due to their adverse effects on human health, concurrent with the increasing air pollution. This study aimed to evaluate the concentration and inhalation health risk associated with PAHs bound to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in ambient air of Tehran city.
Materials and Methods: Data were collected from four monitoring stations across the city during the period of October to December 2021. After extraction and analysis of the samples using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), the carcinogenic risk of the compounds was evaluated using the method proposed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the Monte Carlo model. Ethical considerations were taken into account throughout all stages of the study implementation.
Results: The mean total concentration of PAHs at selected stations varied between 65.92 ng/m³ and 142.76 ng/m³. The results also showed that some PAH compounds, such as dibenzo [a,h]anthracene, had significant carcinogenic risks (CR=5×10−6), while their non-carcinogenic risks were within acceptable levels (HQ=0.0016).
Conclusion: The results of this study emphasize that reducing the emission of PAHs from various sources, especially vehicle exhaust and industrial activities, is essential to prevent the harmful effects of these pollutants on public health.
- Fine particulate matter
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
- Cancer Risk
- Monte Carlo simulation
How to Cite
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